English Language 1

Duration

30h Th, 60h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

An Van linden

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

All year long, with partial in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Although theory and practice cannot be dissociated in language learning, they will be covered separately, for the sake of organization.
(1) Lectures (1h per week): the main grammar areas (grammatical rank scale, basic clause types, sentence types, the use of articles, subject-verb agreement, tense and aspect, modal auxiliaries, passive voice, non-finite clauses, relative clauses, conditional constructions) will be taught systematically, without losing sight of actual language use. The lectures introduce linguistic terminology and explain the use of grammatical structures, making students play an active part in their learning process as much as possible. In addition to basic grammar, a number of lectures are devoted to phonology, phonetics and phonetic transcription (using the international phonetic alphabet) as well as writing skills (how to develop a line of argument).
(2) Practicals :
(a) grammar exercises (1h per week) in smaller groups: for each session students will need to prepare a certain number of pages before coming to class
(b) conversation classes (1h per week) in smaller groups: focus on pronunciation, overall speaking and reading comprehension skills (non-literary texts will be provided), building arguments to use in a debate
In addition to this work done in class, students are also expected to work on their own. Such self-study is of the utmost importance and should be done on a daily basis. It includes:

• Preparing the grammar chapters to be discussed in the grammar lectures
• Preparing the written exercises and the texts (which implies the use of a monolingual dictionary)
• Systematic vocabulary learning in English Vocabulary in Use (Upper-intermediate) (Cambridge University Press) (including pronunciation)
• Daily listening comprehension practice, by listening to BBC Radio 4, for example. We recommend students to record and transcribe interesting programmes (with the help of a dictionary).
• Systematic study of English pronunciation (stress, spelling, etc.) and of the international phonetic alphabet
• Reading the English-speaking press as much as possible. Many newspapers are now accessible on-line.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Students should acquire an advanced level of proficiency in English, both oral and written (emphasis on the four language skills). The targeted command of English implies an in-depth study of English grammar and vocabulary, as well as the ability to use the language effectively. In addition, students have to be able to explain the use of the grammatical categories discussed in the grammar lectures in authentic language data.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Good knowledge of English, and some basic linguistic terminology.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Three hours of classes a week, organized as detailed under the heading of 'Learning unit contents' above
 
In addition to these three hours, additional (optional) activities are organized:
Ms Muner teaches classes offering help with the grammar exercises in French.
Ms Emonds and Ms Leroy offer pronunciation tutorials, in which student output will be audio recorded to help students recognize their own mistakes.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Face-to-face. 30 h th. + 60 h ex. (first and second terms).

Recommended or required readings

Lecture notes and exercises will be available at the start of the academic year. We will also use the following books:
Grammar: John Eastwood, Oxford Learner's Grammar: Grammar Finder, Oxford University Press, 2005.
Vocabulary: Michael McCarthy and Felicity O'Dell, English Vocabulary In Use (Upper-intermediate), Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Dictionary: Collins Cobuild Dictionary, HarperCollins, 2006. (English only)
 
Among French-language reference works, we can recommend the following grammar book and dictionary:
Berland-Delépine, La grammaire anglaise de l'étudiant, new edition Ophrys, 2000.
Robert et Collins Senior anglais-français / français-anglais, Le Robert, 2010.

Assessment methods and criteria

I. Obligatory assessments:
Partial exam in January, written only, consisting of:

• Vocabulary and grammar exercises
• A reading comprehension test (text and multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ))
• A multiple choice questionnaire on the grammar lectures
• A multiple choice questionnaire on phonetics/phonology/phonetic transcription

• Vocabulary and grammar exercises: 25%
• A writing assignment: 20%
• A multiple choice questionnaire on the grammar lectures: 15%
• Unless one is exempted, a multiple choice questionnaire on phonetics/phonology/phonetic transcription: 5%

• Pronunciation: students will have to read a stretch of running text
• Speaking skills: students will have to answer questions on everyday topics (hobbies, media, lifestyle, environment, politics). They will have to prepare a series of texts on which the questions will be based.
• Explaining grammar: students will have to analyse a corpus example and explain the use of a certain grammatical element (e.g. basic clause type, NPs, use of tense and/or aspectual value, etc)

• Vocabulary and grammar exercises: tests in September and March
• Writing assignments: take-home assignment involving developing a line of argument in response to a given essay in November; students will receive corrective feedback, and the opportunity to revise and resubmit their assignment in February.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

See above

Contacts

Course Coordinator An VAN LINDEN Département de Langues et littératures modernes Ulg Bât. A2, bureau 6/16 Place Cockerill, 3-5 B-4000 Liège Tel. 04 366 53 60 E-mail: an.vanlinden@uliege.be
Assistants Sarah EMONDS Tél. 04 366 54 37 E-mail: s.emonds@uliege.be
Céline LEROY Tél. 04 366 90 38 E-mail: c.leroy@uliege.be
Premier assistant Daria TUNCA Tél. 04 366 53 44 E-mail: dtunca@uliege.be
Assistant pédagogique Dominique MUNER E-mail: dmuner@uliege.be
Lectrice Rebecca ROMDHANI Tel. 04 366 54 37 E-mail: rashworth@uliege.be
Secretary Martine DELAVIGNETTE Tel. 04 366 53 96